Universal Soccer Academy

Academy Staff

Coaching with class

Universal Coaches are qualified and have extensive playing and coaching experience.

Academy coaches attend our year- round coaching school designed to ensure that all staff is familiar with our coaching values, academy curriculum and teaching objectives.

All our staff coaches are first class people and are fully committed to leading all Universal students to success on and off the field.

James Galanis

Director of Soccer Operations

James Galanis is the Owner and Director of Soccer Operations for Universal Soccer Academy. Born in 1971, James grew up in Melbourne, Australia where he went on to become passionate about the World of Soccer. James enjoyed a very successful youth career playing for Bundoora Soccer Club, before moving on to Clifton Hill Soccer Club where he played his first senior game at age 16. While an established player of the Clifton Hill Soccer Club, James was personally invited by world soccer and Real Madrid legend Ferenc Puskas to join his Academy team. James readily accepted the invitation, and went on to become captain of the team. The team enjoyed many successes, and James benefited from the world-class training and tactical knowledge provided to him by Mr. Puskas. In 1989 James resumed his senior career where he played for South Melbourne, Clifton Hill, and Northcote Soccer Clubs.

In 2000, James Galanis founded Universal Soccer Academy. He has gone on to train and influence many players, clubs, leagues, and associations around the world. His specialized training has helped players gain selection for state, regional, and national teams. He is known for the tailored training programs he designs and the positive impact he has on all his students and associates. Today, James remains a student of the game and continues to produce students that are complete players and outstanding people.

Almon Gunter

Physical Power and Mental Toughness Specialist

Almon Gunter is the Founder and President of Gunter-Gunter, Inc. He is an acclaimed motivational, inspirational public speaker and consultant, as well as, a two-time US Olympic Trial Qualifier in track and field. At ages 29 and 33, Almon ran the qualifying time to compete at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials for 200 meters. At the height of his career, Almon was ranked 13th fastest runner in the world for 200 meters and competed internationally in over 15 countries. He is the author of the self-help book "Focus On The Final Seconds and Win the Game of Life", a how- to book on achieving both mental and physical fitness successfully in the game of life.

Almon has helped hundreds of athletes to achieve success both on and off the field. He specializes in teaching speed, agility, and mental toughness that helps to develop champions. Almon currently has athletes playing at the collegiate level in soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, lacrosse, and track and field. His philosophy is simple: practice like you want to play! His techniques and know- how in developing speed and a winning attitude in student athletes is second to none. Almon’s formula for success involves die-hard dedication, never-ending enthusiasm, hard work, heart and hustle, with the end result of becoming a MVP in the game of life.

***For coaching opportunities please call 609-254-0335***